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Community Corner

There's More Than Just Coffee Brewing at Atlanta Bread Company

coffee klatch – an occasion when people meet socially to talk and drink coffee (Cambridge Dictionary)

Atlanta Bread Company, more affectionately known around The Park as "ABC" has a lot more brewing than just coffee these days. Since the great fire at Einstein Bagel's at the end of July, ABC has become ground zero for most of the regular morning coffee klatches in the area.

Although the shop is crowded most mornings with patrons purchasing coffee, tea and bagels, the mostly 50 to 70 year olds usually stay through noon, scarping sandwiches down as other locals pour in for lunch. They're also scarping down each other's company.

Most come to talk about the community, their children, schools, husbands and life in general. Others come to talk about work and work-related projects. Not surprisingly many of the coffee klatches are comprised of mostly women, like Rochelle Stocks, 70, who has lived half her life in nearby in the community of Severna Forest.

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Known among her friends as the unofficial mayor of Severna Park, Stocks is the keeper of all things important. When each member of the Bagel Babe group's, as they refer to themselves, has a significant occasion to mark, it's Rochelle who keeps everyone one else informed. She also sees that flowers and cards are sent when needed – and well you get the idea.

"There's a lot of love that takes place around this table," joked Rochelle, the youthful caretaker of these MWF  gatherings, whose biggest challenge, at the moment, is getting everyone to stop talking at once.

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"Being part of the community is in line with Atlanta Bread's whole philosophy.  It really adds to the atmosphere," said Jeff Sunstrom, owner of the franchise for the past three years and a resident of Pasadena. "As long as we have enough seats at lunchtime, it's fine with me."

Atlanta Bread, which opened its Severna Park franchise in 2001, has been recently rated among the top five for a second time in the healthiest options and facilities categories by Zagat Fast Food Survey.

"We are extremely honored that our guests have recognized Atlanta Bread in these two vital areas," said Jerry Couvaras, Atlanta Bread's CEO and President.  "Over the past several years we have continued to evolve our menu, as well as our design and decor. The results of the exclusive Zagat Survey tell us that our customers are pleased with this enhanced experience and we look forward to continuing to provide our guests with Globally Inspired, Locally Sourced menu items in a comfortable, eclectic environment."

The newly enhanced eclectic environment isn't the only thing bringing customer in day after day. For just under three bucks, you can have the privilege of gathering in this hot spot located in the Severna Park Shopping Center on almost any given morning. Friends, coworkers and neighbors, some who have known each other for the majority of their lives, pull tables together to spend a little socializing and feeling – well happy.

According to Dr. Oz, socializing releases oxytocin, a chemical that can help combat stress hormones and lower your blood pressure.  Just knowing you're not alone can go a long way toward coping with stress. And perhaps that's why coffee klatches continue to be so popular.

Rose Fisher, 69, agrees. Another ABC morning regular, she lives along Old County Road. "When you come here, it feels like family," she said. "The power of a group can make all the difference in your life. It nourishes your soul."

Sounds good enough for me.  I'll take a latte please.

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